Dear Grandma Mikey,

Did you hear? I had a pretty big weekend.

Mattie Claire stayed the night one last time. What am I going to do without her, Grandma? It will be fun to sleep in her bedroom while she's gone.

My mom tells me the story about when I was born. You and Papa were there. You bought me a special tooth fairy box and a pair of ballet slippers from the hospital's gift shop.Well, the day has arrived....I lost my 1st tooth!
I heard the tiny tooth fairy, in her tiny fairy shoes, crawl under my pillow and leave me $2 in my box. I think I look more like 7 now than 6, what do you think?

I gave it my all in my 1st organized sporting event this weekend. Dad and Uncle Jordy are my coaches. I ran and ran. My cheeks were red but I loved it. We are pretty much going to win every game this season. Will you come?

Oh yea, Noah played too....for about 3 minutes.

Mom was your substitute at Grandparents Day.

I'll sing the songs for you again. I love 1st grade.

I love you Grandma. Call me.

Macy

Mexico 08

Beautiful Aubrianna (Katrice's numeral quatro)

Raise your hand if you like Mexico!

Whee.

I'm telling you it was Heartbreak Hotel, when these two were forced to part ways on the last day.

Trace amigas with braids

Beautiful Ezra (my numeral trace)

Hunting for seashells.

Beautiful Macy (my numeral uno)

Small found treasure.

Look....see....sea.....ci!

While we're sure the natives were not happy with our arrival.....we managed to have another amazing trip to Rocky Point. Local resort guest included: Addie, Eric, and the boys; Treg, DeAnne and twins, Katrice and her 4; and us. We were graced with Josh, Camryn and Liv's company daily as well.

Notes for next year's trip: learn spanish, bring 4-wheeler titles, bring walkie talkies (1 for you in Mexico and 1 for the worried sick husband sitting in America waiting for his turn to cross the boarder), never again attempt a 20 mile jet ski ride (this one is specifically for Jace), keep plenty of cash on hand for the local police, when the police ask you to follow them to the station to pay your ticket - just follow and don't ask if the unlit, back alley is really where they conduct official police business, and bring ant repellant - lots of it - Addie prefers to take her lunch on the ant free patio.

Push play.

I'm not usually one that speaks my mind about political issues. I find it hard to muddle thru the gray areas, lies, and false hopes that swirl around us. But of 2 issues, I know for sure. While most of you reading this may already realize what is at stake and agree, most of you may be surprised to find who else is standing with us. Interesting.

One more time now....

No, Jace didn't buy that ranch. No, I didn't find that perfect, charming fixer upper. And no, Macy did not click her heels 3 times and a tornado uproot our home, belongings, and selves. I wish.

The REALITY facing us is this:

1. Our landlords, namely Ira and Melissa Parry, sold their house by the golf course and want to move into the OTHER house they own, namely my rental home.

2. My sister Kirsten recently laid down the shocking news that she will be packing up her family and belongings and moving to Wisconsin. (I had to get out a map).

3. The closing date for the Parry's is Sept. 30th. Dan's new job begins Oct. 1st (you see where I'm going with this?).

4. We will be moving once again. Back to Snowflake. Into Kirsten's house.

One might think that I am good at moving, noting all previous experience but really I just lose my mind, don't sleep, walk in circles, and wait for the movers to show up.

So, this should be interesting right? I'll keep you posted.

9.1.08

A weekend of family, campfires, 4-wheelers, motherless children, breathtaking country, law enforcement, and FUN.

This is the guy you want to take on a Labor day camp out. With in 10 minutes of our arrival he 1st: shut his truck door, 2nd: had our dinner on the fire, & 3rd: started his chain saw, fell a tree, and carved the much needed, midget camp fire chairs:

Just a glimpse of the dancing done 'round the campfire.

If only rainy days were this kind to my hair. I tell Macy and I think Napoleon would agree, she's "LUCKY." If you know my friend Jace Baum at all, you know that the shoot out competition was a dream come true.

The cheering section.

Papa's wild goose chase thru the wilderness searching for the invisible Mineral Springs.

"I didn't see no spring, not even a puddle."

Ezra managed. He was covered in stickers, dirt, & suckers but he managed.

"Yea, I'm totally hanging with the big boys. How big are your muscles again?" (code for how old are you and could I take you?)

Just 2 of the previously mentioned motherless children. Is he getting taller or are my legs shrinking? Probably just an optical illusion.

The whole lot of us and the HIGHLIGHT of the trip.

Oh yea, and this little sweetheart.....

No trip to work, the store, campground, ect. is COMPLETE for my friend Jace without a visit from some of these guys. Yes, I'm telling you, in the middle of the dadgum forest, they found us. Lights, sirens, guns on the hip and all. We were ticketed for minors riding without helmets. We were just thrilled that this offense doesn't go on your driving record. Jace Baum would have been walking to a home near you, plumbing bags strapped on, pulling a wagon full of pipe.